Since the old garden had been blocked off, a new one had been set up on the far side of the castle, though it was more akin to a greenhouse. Serana had gone there to see if there were any ingredients Florentius could make use of. The place was... nice, but it lacked the charm the old garden had.
Serana took a little time scouring what she could from the garden, hoping to collect her thoughts. It had been two days since the battle at the castle. Two days since she'd killed Harkon.
It was still hard to process that she had been the one to kill him. One moment, she was aiming the bow, and the next, Harkon was literally burning to ash. His last words still rung in her ears.
'Ser... ana... your own... father...'
Serana tried desperately to keep it from her mind. Harkon had stopped being her father long ago, and she had come to terms with that before returning to confront him. And yet, knowing he was truly dead, because of her... It wasn't a feeling she could describe beyond hollowness.
She shook her head, deciding to focus on the matter at hand. Akiseta.
The Argonian had not awoken since she passed out in the chapel. She had remained in her wolf form the entire time. Florentius had healed the wounds Harkon has caused her in the fight, but the potions he made did nothing to wake her up. He had used up nearly all his ingredients already.
Serana stood up, placing what she'd gathered into her satchel. CuSith trotted over to her, and she patted him on the head. CuSith had been the only creature from the castle to survive the fight, and Serana figures from his lack of wounds that he'd made himself scarce. The Dawnguard members watched him cautiously, but Serana had assured them he wouldn't attack unless she gave a command.
Heading back inside, Serana paused briefly as she reached the main hall. Blood stained the floor, and was splattered on the walls. The corpses of the court members had been taken outside to be burned at her request. It was better then leaving them to rot in the castle. Only a couple of Dawnguard members had been killed, none of whom Serana recognized from her first two arrivals at the fort. They had been buried near the shore.
Serana turned from the sight and went to her room. Florentius was in a chair beside the bed, looking worn out. Between his attempts to wake Akiseta and trying to aid the thralls rescued from the prison cells, he was running himself ragged. Serana handed him the ingredients she'd gathered.
"I'll get to work with these with all due haste, Serana." He said, standing up.
"Don't wear yourself out to much, Florentius."
"Don't worry about me, my child. Arkay will give me the strength I need to aid our friend."
"I wish he could wake her up."
"He wishes he could too. But he told me this is beyond his reach. We'll have to muddle through this ourselves. But worry not. We will persevere." Florentius insisted as he left the room. Serana watched him go, wondering if Arkay really did speak to the man as he said he did.
She sat down on the bed, beside Akiseta, who rested on her side. It had taken Isran, Gunmar, Sorine, and herself to move Akiseta to the room. The only indications she were alive were her slightly uneven breathing and her heartbeat, which was steady, but weaker than it should be. Even in this form, she seemed so... frail.
Serana began to gently stroke the fur on Akiseta's head. She had taken the time to clean her with some cloths, and her fur was no longer gritty or blood-caked.
"Florentius has gone to make some more potions." She said. "He'll be back soon enough, and we'll try it." She wasn't sure if Akiseta could hear her, but speaking felt necessary.
Serana had remained at Akiseta's side for the length of the two days, minus a little while to bath the blood from herself at Isran's insistence. She hadn't slept during her vigil, unable to compel herself to rest. She would gently stroke Akiseta's fur, and talk about things. Sometimes, she recounted their little adventure, and sometimes she found herself revisiting her childhood.
"You know, I've been thinking about what we'll do when we leave here. Going back to Whiterun and all. It'll be a little strange, living in such an open city, with so many people." Serana said, stroking behind Akiseta's ears.
"And then, with Lucia. In a way, I'll be kind of like her mother too. It's kind of funny, you know? I never imagined having a family like that. Of course, there were a lot of things I never imagined having until I met you."
She looked down at the sleeping werewolf. "The life of peace you talk about. I'm eager to know what that's like. I think it will be nice, not having to fight for our lives anymore. I think a part of me is going to miss this little adventure we've been on, though. But your work with the Companions should rid us of boredom." Serana let out a soft chuckle.
Akiseta remained asleep.
Serana sighed, and carefully took one of her paws in her hand. The fleshy parts of Akiseta's wolfish body were grey, but her wrists had been blackened by burns, as had her ankles. A similar effect was on her face. Marks that looked like chain links circled her muzzle, disappearing into her fur as they came to her cheeks.
The thought of Akiseta being chained up made Serana sick. She shuddered at what could have happened to her during their separation. Whatever torturous things Harkon had done to her had made killing him easier to think about.
Serana placed her hand to Akiseta's muzzle, and called on a small bit of her frost magic. Akiseta's lips parted, and a low growl escaped from her mouth, but she didn't stir.
Serana moved her hand to Akiseta's back and trailed her fingers across her spine, using the slightest touch of lightning magic. The muscles in Akiseta's back twitched, but she still didn't stir. Serana let out a defeated sigh.
Florentius came back into the room, potion in hand. Serana helped open Akiseta's mouth, and Florentius slowly poured the bottles contents in. Akiseta's throat bobbed as the fluid slid down, and she let out low growls, her body twitching.
"Come on, Aki. Wake up." Serana urged softly.
Akiseta gripped the side of the bed, letting out a snarl. Then her body slackened, her breathing resuming its uneven patter.
Florentius hung his head. "I don't know what else to do. I've made every concoction I can think of. I don't know if it's because she's an Argonian, or if the wolfsbane had been tainted in some way, or whatever else. I'm sorry, Serana."
"It's okay, Florentius. You tried." Serana reassured him. She looked at Akiseta. 'I don't know what else to do for you, love.' She thought. 'I'm so out of touch with my alchemical practices, Florentius probably has me beat. No one else here can match him. I wish Mother... Wait... Mother!'
"Florentius, give me your bag."
"Wha-"
"Your bag, quickly!"
Florentiu fumbled as he picked up the bag. Serana snatched it up and hurried to the door.
"Where are you going, Serana!?"
"To get help!" Serana called back as the door shut.
The trip through the tunnels was easier without dealing with skeletons and gargoyles. Serana made her way back to the Soul Cairn in no time. The place still made her uneasy, but she put it out of her mind.
She strode quickly through the Cairn, ignoring souls and skeletons and made her way to the place that had been her mother's prison. She pushed the doors open and entered the Boneyard. Durnehviir and Valerica were both there, appearing to be conversing. They both turned their heads to her as she approached.
"Serana! Oh, I've been so worried about you." Valerica said, embracing her daughter. Serana leaned against her mother, taking comfort in her embrace.
"He's dead." Serana heard herself murmur. "I killed him."
"Then it's over. It's truly over." Valerica pulled back a bit to look at her daughter. "Are you alright?" She asked, thumbing a couple scars on the left side of Serana's face.
Serana nodded, though she wasn't sure how true it was. She still couldn't sort out her feelings. The scars weren't deep, but they were noticeable. One was rather small, cutting across her lips. The other was a little longer, coming across her chin. They didn't bother her.
"Where is Qahnaarin?" Durnehviir asked.
"She's in the castle. Something's wrong with her."
"What do you mean?" Valerica asked.
"We were ambushed on our way to confront Harkon. They were using silver and wolfsbane. They kidnapped her. When I was fighting him, she burst into the cathedral in her wolf form. After the fight, she passed out, and we haven't been able to wake her. We don't know what else to do. I need your help, Mother. Please." Serana pleaded.
"Of course I will help. Let me grab my things." Valerica said, going into her alcove.
"The Dovahkiin has a strong soul. She will be alright, child of night." Durnehviir stated.
"I know she will." 'She has to be. I can't loose her. I can't.'
Valerica gathered her things into a small satchel and they bid Durnehviir farewell before heading back to the portal.
"You said wolfsbane was used in the ambush. During the fight with Harkon, was Akiseta physically injured?"
"Yes."
"Were there any strange scents in her blood?"
Serana thought for a moment. She had been more concerned for Akiseta's well-being that she hadn't really paid attention. But thinking back, she remembered the wolfsbane, and something else.
"There was one odd scent. It was... somewhere between a grape and a strawberry. And it was bitter."
"My guess it belladona berries."
"Belladona berries!?" Dread welled up in Serana. "But those can kill werewolves!"
"I know. Harkon must have found a way to mix the berries and wolfsbane in a way that didn't kill her, most likely to prevent her from turning. How long was she his prisoner?"
"Five or six days."
"He would've had her dosed more than once. The effects would only get worse with each dosing. Between that and the stress from finally being able to turn, her body must have suffered tremendous exhaustion, causing her to lapse into a coma."
"Will you be able to bring her out of it?"
"I'm sure I will."
The two women traveled through the tunnels and into the castle. Serana noticed the Dawnguard members watching curiously. Valerica paid them no attention.
"I need to check Harkon's room. He may have kept an antidote or ingredients for one close to him. I'll meet you in the study after that." Valerica said, striding off.
Isran approached Serana. "Who is that?"
"My mother."
"Your mother? How-"
"Long story. She was trapped in the Soul Cairn, and helped me and Akiseta find one of the Elder Scrolls. She's a master at alchemy."
"Can she wake Akiseta up."
"I'm confident she can."
"Alright."
Serana ventured to the study, where Valerica was already working. The smell of various ingredients was heavy in the air.
"Any trouble with your vampire hunting friends?" Valerica questioned.
"No. Isran was just wondering who you were. I know what they are, Mother, but they're still good people. I wouldn't have been able to stop Father without them."
"I know, my darling. I know."
Serana leaned against the wall, watching Valerica work. She felt useless.
"You don't need to fret, Serana. I'm certain I can wake Akiseta up."
"I'm certain you can too. I'm just... I don't know." Serana shrugged. "She saved me from Dimhollow. She saved my life in the Soul Cairn. She was there for me when I learned the truth about the prophecy. I wasn't able to stop her from being kidnapped, or tortured, and I can't help her now."
"What happened to her was not your fault, Serana. Harkon calculated every little detail of his plan. He was far more conniving then I had thought."
"He tried to convince me to aid him in completing the prophecy a different way. Tried to convince me of the good we could do together. It was all just more of his lies. He wanted to use me, and Akiseta. I wasn't going to let him hurt her anymore."
"You care for her a great deal, don't you?"
Serana knew her mother could smell Akiseta's scent on her, so she knew the nature of their relationship. "I love her, Mother."
Valerica gave a small nod. "I'm glad you've found something like that, Serana. After all you've been put through, you deserve happiness. I suspected she had feelings for you when you two first came to the Soul Cairn"
"You did?"
"Yes. When she told me she had a daughter, I thought she was married, which confused me when it came to her feelings for you, given what she is. The way in which she spoke of you was far more in admiration then friendship composes. It was the same with how you spoke of her. You both seemed rather unaware at the time, so I thought it best not to interfere."
"We worked it out on our own"
"Yes, I can tell."
"I didn't mean it like that." Serana said, turning her head as she felt her cheeks burn. Valerica let out a chuckle.
Valerica finished making the potion, and Serana led her back to her room. Florentius and Isran were both there.
"Is that an antidote?" Florentius asked.
"Gods willing. Give us some space." Valerica instructed. Florentius obliged, moving to stand beside Isran.
Serana helped open Akiseta's mouth, and Valerica began slowly pouring in the potion.
Akiseta's eyes snapped open, and she let out a choking cough, spilling some of the potion. She threw herself backwards, falling off the bed and crashing into the nightstand. She huddled into the corner, growling.
"Aki, relax. Relax." Serana urged in a soothing voice, going a bit closer.
Akiseta stopped growling, her ears perking up. "Serana?" She asked in a quiet voice, as if afraid she were seeing things.
Serana nodded. "I'm right here, love."
Akiseta stumbled forward, grasping Serana with her paws and leaning into her shoulder. "I... I don't really remember... is it over?"
"It's over. Harkon's dead. You passed out after the fight. My mother healed you."
"Valerica?" Akiseta turned her head to the older vampire. "You healed me?"
"From the poison. The priest healed your physical wounds." Valerica turned her head to Florentius and Isran. "I think it's best we give them some privacy."
"Right. We can tell everyone the good news." Isran concurred.
Serana watched them go, then turned her head back to Akiseta, who had shifted back to normal. "Are you alright, dear?"
"I think so." Akiseta said softly. "Just really sore. And, aching everywhere. I remember... fighting Harkon, and... the explosion.. and ash..." She looked at Serana's arms, which had faintly visible scars, and the scars on her face. "He hurt you..."
"He hurt you worse. But it's over now. He's dead."
"He's dead." Akiseta repeated, hugging herself with her arms.
Serana helped her to her feet, and guided her over to the bed. She dug some clothes out of the backpack and helped Akiseta get dressed. As soon as she was dressed, Akiseta grasped Serana's shoulders, and kissed her.
Serana leaned into the kiss, gently cupping the sides of Akiseta's face. Her scales felt rough and dry, and her tongue tasted of many potions, and gritty sea water, but Serana didn't mind.
Akiseta pulled back from the kiss, and pressed her head into Serana's shoulder. "I missed you so much iluukai. I was so afraid I'd never see you again."
"I was scared too, Aki." Serana put her arms around Akiseta. "But I wasn't going to let them take you from me. I would have gone to the depths of Oblivion to get you back."
"It felt like that's where I was." Akiseta said, a shudder running through her. She looked towards the door. "We should probably get out there. Shouldn't keep the others waiting."
"Right."
Serana helped Akiseta to her feet again, and over to the door. Once in the main hall, the Dawnguard members cheered. Akiseta offered them a small smile.
"Serana? A word with you, if I may?" Valerica asked.
"Of course, Mother."
Valerica led Serana off to the side. "How is she?"
"She says she fine. Just sore."
"That's to be expected. Here." Valerica handed Serana a piece of paper. "Since the damage done to Akiseta's veins could be severe, I wrote down a list of things that should be able to help her."
"Thank you Mother."
"I spoke a bit with that priest. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove the burn marks from the restraints. However, Akiseta may need more help then alchemy or magic can provide."
"What do you mean?"
"I presume there's a healer in her home town. Are they aware of Akiseta's beastblood."
"She knows. Akiseta is part of a group called The Companions. Some are werewolves. This healer, Danica, knows. She's a priestess of Kynareth."
"Perhaps that could be useful. Whatever Akiseta endured during her time here, it will have wounded her beyond what we can see. I don't know how she processes trauma, but a healer, and priestess, might be able to help her through it. We weren't so fortunate."
"No, but we had each other."
"True. Akiseta will also need you now more than ever."
"I'll do what I can to help her through this." Serana looked over her shoulder. "It looks like everyone's ready to go. You won't be joining us, will you?"
"Not this time. Perhaps in the future, I can be lured away from the castle from time to time."
Serana hugged Valerica tightly. "We'll come visit. I promise."
"You better." Valerica kissed Serana's forehead. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Serana gave her mother one more hug, then joined Akiseta by the stairs. "Everything good?"
"Yeah. The others were talking about having a celebration when they get back to the fort. It sounds like fun, but," Akiseta sighed. "I just want to go home."
Serana took hold of Akiseta's hand. "Then let's go home."